Chapter 688

Gu Kang today, for the first time, did not wear court robes; he wore a dark-colored brocade robe, with red plum blossom patterns embroidered at the cuffs and collar, which actually added a touch of elegance to the austere setting.

When that masked face appeared before everyone, everyone was startled, and even Gu Jiu Ling was dumbfounded by her brother's sudden visit.

She frowned slightly, looking at the guy standing in the main hall, really finding it harder and harder to figure out his tactics.

Recently, he has actually been cooperating with her and Xiao Yin rather pleasantly.

In the battle of Yingzhou City, she was responsible for the sneak attack, Xiao Yin for the strong assault, and that fire that almost burned to death everyone of the eight great clans came from the hand of this gentleman before us.

Ruthless in mind, decisive in means, even Xiao Yin looked at him with new respect.

At this moment, Gu Kang slowly stood before Gu Jiu Ling, lifted the corner of his robe, and knelt down.

"I, your subject, pay respects to the Empress! May the Empress enjoy myriad blessings and peace!"

Gu Jiu Ling furrowed her brow, stared at her own brother, and said: "Gu Sir, what brings you here…?"

Gu Jiu Ling really didn't understand; court affairs aside, this kid was originally the Prime Minister.

Now she came to the princess's residence to discuss the marriage of Princess Fuching, yet everywhere there he is, showing off.

Earlier, Gu Kang killed Gu Shijie in her presence, making the secret that Gu Shijie had spoken forever remain a secret, and she and this brother developed some estrangement.

This time facing Gu Kang, Gu Jiu Ling also had no pleasant expression, her tone gaining a hint of distance.

Gu Kang took no offense, and loudly said: "I beg to report to the Empress, I come today to ask the Empress, out of sisterly affection, to grant me marriage!"

I see that I am growing older; these days my health is not good either; the affairs of the minister's residence are too many and complicated; I alone cannot manage them; I wish to find a capable wife to help.

Gu Jiu Ling's brow furrowed deeper; this kid had made a huge scene with Li Ruoxi before, she had thought he would remain a bachelor for life, yet he actually is pressing her to get a wife.

"Hehe!" Gu Jiu Ling couldn't help laughing, "Gu Sir, that's what you meant all along—why didn't you say so earlier?"

"May I ask which family's daughter you wish to marry?"

Gu Kang steadied himself and said: "I wish to become the prince consort of Princess Fuching!"

"Clatter!"

Princess Fuching's teacup in her hand instantly fell to the ground and shattered.

Afterwards, realizing her lapse, she hurriedly knelt down.

"Your Ladyship…" her face flushed crimson, she opened her mouth but could not utter another word.

Inside, however, it was as if a basin of water had been splashed into a boiling oil pot, her whole being exploded.

Beside her, the Consort Rou also turned pale with fright; her daughter had been badly schemed against by the Li family, and if they wanted to make amends, only the Empress could intervene, selecting someone from another great clan.

But she absolutely dared not let this lord before her become her daughter's prince consort.

The Gu Kang before us is the Empress's younger brother, the Emperor's brother-in-law, a top scholar renowned throughout the world, a closed-door disciple of Mr. Wen, and also a bloody minister who holds countless lives in his hands.

Compared to him, the scions of those great clans dare not challenge his edge.

Now Gu Kang, as the youngest Prime Minister of Southern Qi, drives the court's reforms, truly standing above ten thousand and beneath one, wielding power that overwhelms the court and countryside.

It is precisely when he established his achievements, was ennobled as a king and appointed as Prime Minister, that he unexpectedly wants to become her daughter's prince consort.

Is he mad?

Gu Jiu Ling also widened her eyes in disbelief at the kneeling Gu Kang before her, her brows knitting tightly: "Are you crazy?"

"I am not mad; I cherish the Princess, I am willing to resign my post as Prime Minister, take an idle position in the Hanlin Academy, continue compiling the ancient texts left unfinished by Mr. Wen, and I beg the Empress to grant this."

The kneeling Lady Li was utterly dumbfounded; no matter how she thought her own son outstanding, the Gu Sir before her was far superior.

Who would have thought that the Princess Fuching, whom her son rejected, this Minister Gu would actively seek to marry as a treasure?

Beside her, the Lady of Ning'an Marquis was also greatly shocked; Princess Fuching had been set up by the Li family, losing all face. If Minister Gu voluntarily becomes the prince consort, then Princess Fuching would not only regain face but would be marrying far above her station.

But Gu Sir is the Empress's younger brother; whether this comes to pass still depends on the Empress's decision.

Gu Jiu Ling is now almost bewildered by Gu Kang; when did this fellow take a liking to Princess Fuching—one who has long dwelled in the deep palace, the other a scheming, cautious plotter, two people utterly unrelated—how could they suddenly fall desperately in love?

"Gu Kang, although I am your elder sister and understand your temperament, I warn you: do not bring harm to others!"

Gu Jiu Ling's eyes took on a hint of frost.

Gu Kang, however, kowtowed and said: "Please, elder sister, grant this!"

This time he addressed not the Empress but the elder sister, repeatedly invoking the warm sentiment card.

Gu Jiu Ling could not withstand that address of "elder sister"; she drew a deep breath, looked toward the kneeling Princess Fuching aside, their eyes met on the princess's flushed face, and suddenly she felt something odd.

How does this girl give the impression that her spring heart is swaying?

Could it be that she really has taken a liking to Gu Kang?

If Gu Kang had not been disfigured, he too would be a charming young gentleman of the capital, after all modeled after the handsome Gu Shijie; her and Gu Kang's looks could hold their own among the handsome men and beautiful women of Shang Jing.

But now Gu Kang is disfigured and notorious as a cruel official; aside from this kid's ruthless mind making him a notable figure, nothing about him would win a girl's favor.

Gu Jiu Ling suddenly recalled that earlier she had asked Princess Fuching if she liked anyone; the princess had unconsciously glanced at her, and now connecting the dots, Gu Jiu Ling's heart gave a little jump.

If she remembered correctly, at first Princess Fuching had lifted her eyes and gazed deeply at her; she had then felt it odd, but in fact the princess was not looking at her—she was probably looking through her face at someone else.

Gu Jiu Ling suddenly sucked in a cold breath—this damned yet mysterious love.

She now finally understands why Princess Fuching chose such a hopeless Li family; perhaps she thought she and Gu Kang had no hope in this life, seeking only safety, and perhaps also harbored some self‑destructive resignation.

Yet now Gu Kang has forcefully come before Princess Fuching, even offering to resign his office to become her prince consort—could this kid have shifted affections so quickly, or did he perhaps kill his father and mother, his nerves gone awry?

She drew a breath and looked at Princess Fuching, her heart gaining a touch of complexity.

She also did not know why, deep down, she instinctively did not want Gu Kang and Princess Fuching to become entangled; on the other hand, as someone from modern society, she could not bring herself to ruin another's lifelong happiness.

The greatest happiness in this world is mutual affection; Gu Jiu Ling softly said: "Fuching, what do you think?"

Princess Fuching at this moment trembled slightly all over; happiness had come too fast, she could barely grasp it.

She felt as if she were living in a bizarre, fantastical dream, unconsciously glancing at Gu Kang, her voice quivering.

She tremblingly kowtowed and said: "In reply to the Empress, Princess Fuching… Princess Fuching is blessed across three lifetimes!"

Blessed across three lifetimes, mutual pursuit—this is probably the best ending a young woman in her boudoir could dream of.